Paul Pogba rescues complacent France against Australia

France didn’t look like a favourite team against the minnows Australia in Group C opening fixture. They didn’t produce many chances or played quality football against the Socceroos. It took Antoine Griezmann’s 58th-minute penalty to open the scoring, but it was canceled out four minutes later by Australia’s penalty kick converted by Mile Zedinak. Paul Pogba rescued complacent France against Australia late in the game with his winning goal in 83rd minute.

It wasn’t the France we were expecting. Les Bleus is considered as tournament favourite before the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 kicked-off, but their display against Australia was nowhere near a winning team.

Not a convincing performance by #FRA . Hopefully they get better as they progress in the competition #FRAAUS

They didn’t look organized in any minute of the game. The passes were not circulating in an organized manner. N’Golo Kante looked completely a waste in a holding midfield role. On the flanks, Lucas Hernandez looks promising as left-back, but Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe didn’t live up to the expectation.

The young duo tries too much of trickery as a showman but felt sorry for playing poor display. Didier Deschamp’s tactics barely got noticed. His 4-3-3 formation didn’t work upfront with Dembele and Griezmann in wider role and Mbappe in the middle. France looked like an average side in the final third of the pitch.

Thankfully, Paul Pogba rises on the occasion to snatch a victory for France. He has the minimal of touches on the line and he did brilliantly to flick the ball in the air and it landed inside the goal post.

VAR system was on full display today. Every goal came from the assistance of VAR. Griezmann penalty was awarded with the consultation of VAR, and then Pogba’s goal also needed VAR assistance. Pogba hit the crossbar and it landed just inside the goal line and VAR confirmed it as a goal. Only Samuel Umtiti’s hand contact inside the penalty area was easier to decide for the referee and he directly pointed to the spot. Australian captain made the most of the situation as he converted to make it 1-1.

Pogba killed the match taking limelight once again. Deschamp put faith in him despite criticism handing him a role in playing XI and Manchester United midfielder thanked everyone, kissing the badge showing his love for the nation.